Darren Pleasance Backs AOPA Reforms but Rules Out Return

Overview

• Pleasance, in one of his first interviews since his controversial removal, released an exclusive letter Monday and confirmed he will not return to AOPA.
• He urged members to show up and help shape proposed changes at Tuesday’s annual meeting, a push that could influence how the group sets its governance and priorities.
• He voiced support for new chairman Luke Wippler and backed board nominees Peter Burwell and Ryan Samples as strong additions from both turbine and grassroots flying.
• He said the organization still needs further reform and expressed confidence that Wippler will listen to member feedback as changes roll out in stages.
• In the Valdez interview, he called AOPA vital for educating Congress on aviation issues and cited near‑term GA priorities such as a safe switch to unleaded fuel, guarding against ADS‑B data being used for fees, and expanding BasicMed to Canada.